Annual motor show to feature 'Italian' flair

Annual motor show to feature ‘Italian’ flair

Registrations are officially open and a new theme has been unveiled for this year's Torquay Motor Show, with over 300 vintage vehicles estimated to roll into Torquay for the February 11 event. Pictured are last year's best-in-show award winners Andy Lee and his 1972 Norton Commando motorcycle with Steve McDonald and his 1931 Ford Model A Hot Rod. Photos: PETER MARSHALL

REGISTRATIONS have officially opened for the 2024 Torquay Motor Show with thousands of visitors expected to flood Torquay’s Esplanade to enjoy a vast collection of automobiles.

Show organiser and Rotary Club of Torquay member Bruce Turner said between 320 and 350 vehicles, both cars and bikes, are expected to fill out Elephant Walk on Sunday, February 11 for the event’s 14th year on the Surf Coast, which will feature an international twist.

“We’re already receiving interest from several vendors which is always a great sign,” Mr Turner said.

“The theme for this year is ‘Italy’, so we’ve broadened the scope on our theme from last year which was ‘Corvette’, allowing for enthusiasts here locally and further afield a greater chance to bring their Italian makes to Torquay and showcase their work.

“We’ve changed up a competition categories slightly, but we still have our major awards such as our Club Award named in honour of former organiser and late-founder of this event Greg Plumridge, and The Mayor’s Choice Award as well.”

Vehicle entry will cost entrants $25, with the price inclusive of all car passengers as well saving money for groups arriving at the event.

Over 300 vehicles attended the 2023 Torquay Motor Show.

Spectator entry will set visitors back five dollars, while children are permitted entry for free with the event running from 8am to 3pm.

All proceeds will go towards the rotary club, which will then be distributed to Torquay community programs.

This year’s Torquay Motor Show will again be accompanied by the Great Ocean Road Cruise, allowing drivers to enjoy a convoy-style atmosphere along the famous Great Ocean Road.

The cruise is free to all registrants and will begin in Birregurra. The cruise will then head towards the southern coastline for a pit-stop in Lorne before vehicles begin driving towards Torquay’s Esplanade.

“A lot of credit goes to the Surf Coast Shire, Barwon Water, and the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority for their support this year,” Mr Turner said.

“We were lucky enough to receive a $1,500 Community Events grant from the Shire as well which will assist us tremendously with running this year’s show, and in turn it has enabled us to keep costs down.

“We can’t wait to welcome back the community once again.”

To pre-register vehicles for both the Cruise and the Motor Show, click HERE or the event Facebook page.